A key to Toronto’s success as a growing metropolis is its ability to provide affordable housing. Should private developers set aside a percentage of units in new projects that are affordable to those with low to moderate incomes?

Inclusionary zoning was recently voted into the Top 35 Big Ideas from 1,000 submissions.

We asked Toronto’s mayoral candidates if they thought an inclusionary housing program could be an effective strategy for the City of Toronto. Vancouver has a formal policy (20 per cent of units must be made affordable), along with Montreal.

Issue: Do you support inclusionary zoning for new affordable housing development in the city of Toronto?

Olivia Chow

Position: Yes

I am the only candidate who has proposed ways to build more affordable housing. Specifically, a 20 per cent target of affordable housing, which will create 15,000 new affordable units in four years. This is the same target as Vancouver’s inclusionary zoning, and uses similar incentives to incorporate affordable housing in new developments.

David Soknacki

Position: Yes

I support setting aside units for affordable housing in new larger development projects — an idea which has proven to create more cohesive neighbourhoods and fewer areas of tension. Details for improvement over what we do now will follow next week in my affordable housing announcement.

We’re currently testing this in the Yonge and Eglinton area with a Development Permit System, which was recently passed at city council. If the pilot goes well, we would look at rolling it out across Toronto in areas close to transit.

John Tory

John Tory said due to a housing announcement later in the campaign, he will answer this question only after the announcement is made.

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